With 10 goals and a couple of assists, the midfielder was one of the key men behind Millwall's stunning form in the second half of their season and their late charge towards the play-off places, with the Lions coming up just short.

Tony Pulis was impressed.

Saville caught the eye of the Boro boss last term and again on the first day of this season at The Den, prompting Boro to fork out £7m to bring the former Chelsea man to Teesside.

Given his form and importance last season, it's no surprise that Saville's absence has hit Millwall hard on the pitch. But he's also been sorely missed behind the scenes, says centre-half Shaun Hutchinson.

“He was a great guy on the pitch as well. Every dressing room needs that kind of character. He’s been missed.

“But he got a good move and we don’t hold anything against him. He’ll chat to all of us because I think he enjoyed his time here.”

Having played alongside Saville, both in training and on a Saturday afternoon, Hutchinson obviously knows what to expect when he comes up against his former teammate this weekend at the Riverside.

Saville had a slow start at Boro but has found his feet in recent weeks and is beginning to show why Pulis was so keen to sign him.

Pulis praised Saville for his role in the opening goal against Birmingham last weekend, with the 25-year-old making a decisive run to the front post which allowed Lewis Wing to ghost in at the back stick.